Vigil Held For Teen Shot; Sources ID Suspended Officer

2 Teenagers Charged As Juveniles In Fatal Shooting

Mourners gathered Wednesday night for a vigil to remember a teenager who was fatally shot over the weekend in which a police officer remains suspended and under investigation. Monae Turnage, 13, was fatally shot Saturday evening when two boys, ages 12 and 13, were playing with a rifle that accidentally fired. The boys are charged as juveniles with involuntary manslaughter.

Instead, Monae's body was found the next day underneath trash bags in an alley behind the house where the shooting occurred.

More than 100 classmates and relatives gathered at William C. March Middle School on Wednesday, where a makeshift memorial of pictures and posters was established at Monae's locker.

"The children were very sad. Her homeroom was 804 and we were so used to seeing her come into homeroom jolly," said a teacher at Monae's school.

In addition to setting up a memorial at Monae's old locker, her classmates also left handwritten condolences on a nearby bulletin, and even included some of her class assignments. Monae's teacher said the 13-year-old was an energetic student who was always willing to volunteer.

According to school officials, Monae did the school's morning announcements and modeled in its fashion shows. She was also a cheerleader and the only girl on the lacrosse team.

Mourners from the school and community gathered outside of Monae's school for a moment of silence and to pray for her family. They also shared memories of the well-liked teenager.

"I know she was a special a child, a very special child, and she drew people into her, but I didn't know...there were just so many people out there that showed their love and support and I thank them for being there for her," said Monae's mother, Edith Turnage.

A viewing is scheduled for Friday evening, and a funeral is scheduled Saturday at the Southern Baptist Church on Chester Street. A family hour is scheduled for 10 a.m., and the funeral service is scheduled at 11 a.m.

Sources Identify Officer Suspended In Case

Several sources familiar with the case identified the officer as John Ward, WBAL-TV 11 News I-Team lead investigative reporter Jayne Miller reported. Sources said Ward is an officer with just a few years of experience on assignment at the Eastern District. He remains suspended while investigators scramble to figure out exactly what he did or didn't do after Monae was shot.

Ward dates the sister of one of the boys charged in the incident, and the rifle involved was found in his car, police officials said. Ward had been off duty on medical leave when the incident occurred, Miller reported.

Did the officer know about the shooting but fail to report it?

Did the officer advise or help the boys in hiding the girl's body?

Did he conceal evidence in hiding the weapon?

"The thought of it is, quite frankly, disgusting," Rawlings-Blake said. "I require more from our officers' integrity. They have the public's trust in their hands in everything they do."

No one answered the door Wednesday at the house where the shooting took place.

Investigators said they are examining the officer's cellphones and the rifle in an effort to determine its origin and who may have handled it.

The rifle is also being tested to determine whether it was used in any other crimes. A 21-year-old man who has previously faced gun charges is listed to the address where the shooting occurred.